The Istimara is an official vehicle registration card that issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). It is a mandatory document in Qatar, storing the vehicle owner's details, such as the expiry date, car's registration number, and the owner's information. You can think of Istimara as your vehicle's official ID. It’s as important as a driving license in Qatar and the primary document you need for Fahes vehicle inspection.

Different types of Istimara

There is a distinct type of Istimara for every category of vehicles. A private vehicle Istimara is for private cars and motorcycles used by people or firms. The commercial vehicle Istimara includes all cars used for commercial purposes such as pick-ups, trucks, buses, taxis, and other transport means.

Lastly, the heavy equipment Istimara is required for construction and industrial instruments like cranes, bulldozers, and so on.

There are a few steps you have to take before applying for the renewal of your Istimara: 

1. Pass a technical inspection at any of the authorized centers. For brand-new vehicles, it is only required after three years.

2. Get a valid car insurance.

3. Clear all traffic violations or fines.

Renew Istimara online on the MOI portal

Renewal of your Istimara through the Ministry of Interior’s e-services portal is quick and simple:

1. Log in to the MOI portal: Enter your Qatar ID and password on the e-services site.

2. Choose Traffic Services under the menu, then Vehicles.

3. Tap on Renew Vehicle License.

4. Enter vehicle details

5. Pay the renewal fee.

6. Receive your temporary Istimara, valid for seven days, while your new card is delivered.

Renew Istimara online via Metrash 

The Metrash app offers a convenient way to renew your Istimara from your phone:

1. Open the app and log in using your credentials.

2. On the homepage, select Traffic and then go to Vehicle.

3. All vehicles registered under your name will be displayed. Choose the number plate of a car you want to renew Istimara for.

4. Select Service, then choose Renew Vehicle Registration.

5. Select either QPost delivery or opt for collecting your Istimara at the Traffic Department office.

6. Make the payment: Use a card to pay the renewal fee, and you're all set!

Renew Istimara in person at the Traffic Department

If you want to complete the process face-to-face, your Istimara can be renewed at the Traffic Department. First, gather the required documents, and then visit the nearby Traffic Department and search for the Istimara renewal section. There will be a ticketing system — take a token and wait for your turn. 

The officer will review your documents and might ask you a couple of quick questions, confirming your vehicle details. Then, you pay the renewal fee and wait for your Istimara to be ready.

Renewing your Istimara comes with specific costs based on your vehicle type. Knowing these costs, how long it takes to complete your renewal, and the grace period will enable you to make prior plans and prevent any surprises.

The type of vehicle affects the Istimara renewal costs in Qatar. Below is a summary of the yearly fees:

Timing for Istimara renewal

Typically, this process won't take more than a few minutes if done through Metrash or the MOI portal. Depending on the time of day and crowds, visiting a Traffic Department office might take a bit longer. In any case, scheduling your trip during off-peak hours will help you cut down on wait times.

For online renewals, once the payment is made, your new Istimara is delivered to your address within a few working days, especially if you opt for QPost delivery.

Qatar offers a 30-day grace period after your Istimara expires. This means you have an additional month to renew without facing any immediate fines.

But driving in Qatar with an expired Istimara has several repercussions. Fines for such violations might reach QAR 500. Furthermore, your license plate could even be revoked, and the vehicle removed from the registry. 

The penalty might become harsher the longer you wait. Of course, renewing your Istimara is more than simply avoiding fines; you're keeping your car in shape and avoiding possible accidents.

Having valid car insurance is not only advised but required in Qatar, and it's one of the main documents needed when renewing your Istimara. Insurance guarantees that both you and other road users are protected in unexpected situations and offers financial protection in case of an accident.

The basic, third-party insurance, is a requirement. But you can also opt for comprehensive insurance, which covers both your vehicle and third-party damages. Insurance has to be active for at least one year.